GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Barry previews the action at Sunderland where they host the Classic Semi-Finals on Friday, Proper Heiress stars at Nottingham in the Eclipse Semi-Final on Monday and the Winter Racing Festival set for Nov 21–22 at Shelbourne Park.
A relatively quiet weekend is in store, with the best action coming from Sunderland on Friday evening for the Semi-finals of the Classic, while Proper Heiress will be the star attraction at Nottingham on Monday evening as the Eclipse reaches the semi-final stage. The Winter Racing Festival takes place next Friday and Saturday (Nov 21 & 22) at Shelbourne Park.
Premier Greyhound Racing Classic, Sunderland Friday
It’s a strong card at Sunderland, with all twelve races over the standard distance. The feature event is the Classic, with three semi-finals. The first goes off at 8:37, where Droopys Sort is an interesting runner. Now under the care of Carl Jackson, Droopys Sort was keeping hot company in a handful of starts around Cork when trained by Johnny Linehan. He beat Priceless Romeo on his third start in a rapid 28.27 before finishing behind Barefoot On Fire. He moved well in a recent trial here, clocking 26.90, and didn’t have much luck on his debut in last week’s opening round. Much better is expected from the son of Droopys Sydney, and he could put up a big performance on Friday evening.
I’ve been a fan of Bockos Buster since his early days at Shelbourne Park, running as Ballymac Rapid. I firmly believe we’ve yet to see his best, and he can go far quicker than his latest effort. This trip should suit him perfectly. Ignore his two most recent sectionals of 5.16 and 5.15; this dog can get near the 5.00 mark when things click. It’s a hot heat, but I genuinely believe Buster could go all the way. He’s currently 16/1 to win outright (14/1 General), which looks big value to me.
The last of the three semis goes off at 9:14 and sees two favourites clash in Slingshot Poppy and Romeo Steel. Steel has a good draw on the fence and comes in top form, having won his last seven starts. Poppy, formerly Flashing Saffron with Pat Buckley in Ireland, impressed last time, scorching to the corner to post the fastest of the round in 26.78. If she repeats that run, she’ll be near impossible to beat, and she gets my vote over Romeo Steel. Steel has won his last four from the red jacket, but the red box at Sunderland can sometimes catch them out.
Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse, Nottingham Monday
Monday night at Nottingham features three Eclipse semi-finals. Proper Heiress will be the hot favourite in the opener. He returned to winning ways with a bang last week and has drawn trap one. It’s a tough heat, with the classy Gary The Arb and Droopys Aladdin ensuring Heiress has to be at his best. Droopys Aladdin has early pace on his day and will have his supporters.
The second semi looks set for Droopys Poker. He ran well in a decent contest last time and can step forward to get the better of main market rival Hopes Ompaloompha. Hopes seems to lack a yard of early pace in these top events; I felt he had every chance last week. Raebella Bullet has a handy draw on the rails and should get involved in a tricky-looking heat.
The last semi is another tough affair, with Pain Barrier heading the market. Formerly with Brendan Matthews in Ireland, Pain Barrier was a finalist in this year’s Kirby Memorial back in April and competed at the top level throughout his Irish career. He didn’t show his best on his latest track visit, but much better is expected on Monday. He has winning form here and can get the better of Newinn Oscar.
Good luck to all connections.
Barry
